The symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) fluctuate. You may notice better and worse times of the day, or better and worse days in general. And while stress doesn’t cause generalized anxiety disorder, it can make the symptoms worse.
Not everyone with generalized anxiety disorder has the same symptoms. But most people with GAD experience a combination of a number of the following physical and psychological symptoms :
Physical symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
· Muscle tension, aches, or soreness
· Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
· Stomach problems, nausea, diarrhea
· Jumpiness or unsteadiness
· Edginess or restlessness
· Tiring easily
Psychological symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
· Irritability
· Feelings of dread
· Inability to control anxious thoughts
· Inability to relax
· Difficulty concentrating
· Fear of losing control or being rejected
Children and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
In children, excessive worrying centers on future events, past behaviors, social acceptance, family matters, their personal abilities, and school performance. Unlike adults with GAD, children and teens with generalized anxiety disorder often don’t realize that their anxiety is disproportionate to the situation, so adults need to recognize their symptoms. Along with many of the symptoms that appear in adults with generalized anxiety disorder, some red flags for GAD in children are :
· “What if” fears about situations far in the future
· Perfectionism, excessive self-criticism, and fear of making mistakes
· Feeling that they’re to blame for any disaster, and their worry will keep tragedy from occurring
· The conviction that misfortune is contagious and will happen to them
· Need for frequent reassurance and approval
The above information thankfully comes from the helpguide.org at the following link.
